Question

Why do you love Dental Hygiene?

Answer

When I was 11, I had to do a science project. I realized I knew nothing about teeth, so that was my topic. It was a terrible science project, but it sparked a dream. I’ve enjoyed being a healthcare provider, as well as serving as a consultant and manufacturer’s rep to dentists and hygienists. What has always kept me going are all the wonderful people I’ve met across the country and around the world, who share the same commitment to teeth!

Question

When you were practicing regularly, what was your proudest moment?

Answer

Beginning early in my clinical career, I developed a fondness for working with patients who faced various challenges that prevented them from achieving the best oral and dental health possible. Those challenges included language barriers, physical disabilities, illnesses, and phobias. My proudest moments were working through each person’s challenge, and finally seeing him/her overcome it.

Question

How does being an RDH help you in your job at Hu-Friedy?

Answer

In a word: Empathy. I know what it’s like to be in what I call ‘the heat of battle.’ Staying on schedule while delivering the best patient care, is the goal. I know what can happen if the stars don’t align perfectly. To that end, I try to arm my customers with the products and knowledge that will help them perform at their best. To do so, I often draw on my own experiences. Although my current customers are students and educators, I apply that same practice.

Question

What do you do to support RDHs in the field?

Answer

I maintain my ADHA membership, and on a State level and support legislation to help licensed hygienists provide quality care wherever it is needed. I’ve also supported, or taken part in providing, CE courses.

Question

Why do you believe in Hu-Friedy products/the Hu-Friedy brand?

Answer

Because Hu-Friedy cares. I call it ‘being on the other side of the booth’. As a clinician, you purchase an instrument, expecting it to do what you need it to do, every time you pick it up. Hu-Friedy has been consistent and reliable for more than 100 years, and our customers depend on that. But they don’t always know how that happens. Hu-Friedy is a close-knit company that takes pride in supporting, and manufacturing quality products for the dental community. I’m privileged to have brought several students and instructors through the factory to see how their instruments are made. Later, when I ask what they liked best, the #1 answer is, ‘the people’. The people who make the instruments and the tour guides who explain the entire process are passionate about what they do, and proud to work at Hu-Friedy. On the administrative and marketing sides, there is a true commitment to bring the best products to market. Research, science, adherence to CDC guidelines, and strict regulatory practices are behind every product decision made. Hu-Friedy has a strong commitment to education and training that benefits employees as well as our customers. And, our internal customer service is excellent. It’s rare that a customer doesn’t connect with a real human being.